With imposing mountains, diverse wildlife, tundra wildflowers and miles of trails, the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a magnificent destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Attractions and Activities
The Alpine Visitor Center offers ranger-guided walks in the Land Above the Trees and alpine tundra displays. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center screens a film describing the park and rangers provide information on activities and attractions. The Fall River Visitor Center and Moraine Park Visitor Center provide similar information.
The Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile road between Estes Park on the east side and Grand Lake on the west. It is North America’s highest continuous paved highway with 11 miles above treeline and reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. On the scenic drive, travelers can enjoy thrilling views, alpine wildflower displays and wildlife sightings.
Backbone Adventures offers ATV and jeep rentals to explore the secluded back country trails, stunning views, alpine meadows, natural springs, old mines, wildlife and more.
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway leads to the top of Prospect Mountain allowing visitors to enjoy marvelous views from the summit.
The National Park Gateway Stables enable visitors to enjoy miles of scenic, secluded mountain trails on horseback. Panoramic views of the snow clad Continental Divide and Fall River views through Horseshoe Park are remarkable.
Sombrero Ranches offer horseback trail rides, fishing trips, and hunting trips. Knowledgeable guides take visitors to the best points of interest with exciting information about the unchanged splendor of the Rockies.
Adventure activities include hiking, climbing, backpacking, whitewater rafting, fishing and horseback riding. Hiking is a sought-after adventure activity with several options including lake hikes, waterfall hikes and summit hikes. Family activities include golfing, swimming, amusement parks and theaters.
Sightseeing spots include the Samson Elk Statue, a larger-than-life bronze sculpture, conveys the importance of ecosystem. The Grand Lake offers year-round recreation with fishing and boating opportunities.
Transportation
The nearest international airport is Denver International Airport connecting major US cities. The Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail and Beaver Creek is serviced seasonally. The Park’s major trailheads are accessible by car.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers free shuttle service during select seasons – late spring, summer and early fall. It allows access to several destination and loop hikes along the Bear Lake Road Corridor and enables visitors to enjoy the fullness of the park without the hassle of traffic and parking issues. Walking and biking tours are also exciting.
Accommodation
Accommodations range from quaint cabins by gurgling streams to modern condos. Camping is available inside the park while other options are available in the gateway communities. The Maxwell Inn is a 10-minute walk to the downtown area along Fall River pathway and about four miles to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. It offers well-furnished rooms with wireless Internet access, microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, coffee maker and more. Amenities include breakfast room with fireplace, picnic area with outdoor grill and hot tub.